Oman Wins Two World Cups at 42nd FIAP Youth Photography Biennial

The Sultanate of Oman has achieved a remarkable milestone in the world of youth photography by clinching two World Cups at the 42nd FIAP Youth Photography Biennial, organised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Art Photographique and hosted this year in the Kingdom of Bahrain. 

Oman secured top honours in both key age-categories: first place in the Under-16 category with an impressive tally of 402 points, and first place in the Under-25 category with 348 points. These victories reflect the depth and consistency of young photographic talent emerging from the Sultanate.

Individually, Omani photographers also shone. In the Under-16 category, Amer bin Mohsen al Hajri clinched the FIAP Silver Medal, while Layan bint Sultan al Battashi and Yassin bin Mohsen al Hajri both took Bronze. In the Under-25 class, Wahb bin Ibrahim al Kindi earned the Silver Medal. These awards underline not just the collective victory but strong personal performances.

This dual triumph marks a new era for Omani photography on the global stage. The achievement signals a significant leap in the development of creative talent within Oman, aligning with the strategic focus of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (Oman) to nurture and promote youth participation in international cultural platforms. 

The FIAP Youth Biennial is a high-calibre platform where young photographers from across the world submit works for evaluation in age-based group competitions. Oman’s top ranking helps to further cement its reputation beyond regional boundaries and highlights the country’s growing strength in visual arts.

For Oman’s youth, the wins offer strong motivational momentum. The recognition underlines that with proper support, mentorship and access to global competitive arenas, young creatives from the region can excel. For the broader cultural ecosystem, it suggests that photography is increasingly becoming a domain of national pride and international outreach for Oman.